Live Like a Local

A Few Ideas

You always have a lot of fun when you travel. But consider how much MORE you’d get out of your experiences if you really embraced the culture where you’re visiting. Living like a local can do that! What you wear, what you eat, what you do – these things really effect how you feel about your trip. You can live like you’re local no matter the length of your stay abroad.

Clothing
Living like a local starts with looking like one. College sweatshirts, while incredibly comfortable and somewhat of a security blanket, do not a local make. Jeans are always a durable and comfortable option. But, Europeans, South Americas, Asians, etc. do not base their wardrobe on this one article of clothing. So, wear pants, shorts (if the weather’s nice), and, for the ladies, a skirt or two. Also, don’t spend your entire trip in the same pair of shoes. You’ll want a comfortable, broken-in, durable pair of running shoes during the day. But, since you’re probably planning to go out at night, you’ll want one pair of dressier shoes as well. You’ll feel like you’re right at home when you’re heading off to the bars and clubs – dressed for the occasion. Also, consider what the weather will be like where you’re going. Will you be there during the rainy season, will it be a lot colder than you’re used to, etc? Take a weather-appropriate jacket and an umbrella – preferably ones that DON’T boast your university logo. Wearing the right clothing will help you blend into the local scene as you stroll around the streets! Plus, planning accordingly will keep you comfortable.

Customs
Living like a local means you should know how to avoid violating customs and traditions of where you’re staying. For example, when visiting religious sites, you’ll need to keep your shoulders and legs covered. This is especially true for Vatican City. You won’t make it past the front doors of St. Peter’s Basilica if you’re not appropriately dressed.

If you’re in a temple, observe the clothing rules and be mindful of your feet. When you sit down, you’ll be on the floor of the temple. Don’t sit cross-legged because your feet will point toward the shrine. Big no no. The feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body so you’ll want to sit on your legs to ensure your feet point behind you.

When it comes to table manners, remember that everyone should be served before you dig in to your food. If you’re in a Chinese culture, don’t ever stick your chopsticks down into the middle of your food. It’s considered extremely rude, much like sticking a fork or knife into the middle of your food here in the U.S. You want to rest your chopsticks across your dish or place them in a holder, if provided.

When you’re greeting a friend or acquaintance in a Latin culture, it’s normal to kiss each other on each cheek. This will be more like air kisses, but, if you do make contact, you’ll just want to be cheek to cheek with a smooching sound. You don’t actually kiss them.

It’s definitely important to know how the local culture feels about time. Specifically, do things run on time or do people tend to take their time? In Latin cultures, for example, it is often acceptable to arrive to appointments slightly later than scheduled. In European cultures, however, being late is considered rude. Knowing how people feel about schedules and time will help you avoid embarrassing situations.

Food
One of the best and most exciting aspects of visiting a foreign country is the food! Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is a tasty breakfast dish in Costa Rica. The Brits enjoy Cornish pasties (like a hot pocket) at lunch. For dinner in Madrid, go for tapas. Keep in mind that these dishes are the real deal, so they may be slightly different from the version you’ve had at home. Try them and other authentic dishes! If you don’t like the food – no prob. At least you gave it a shot.

If you have any food allergies, check on which ingredients are typically used in cooking. For example, if you’re allergic to coconut and you’re heading to Thailand, be VERY careful. Coconut is a common ingredient in dishes there. Learning a little bit about the food before you go will take the fear out of eating abroad and you’ll be a pro by the time you have to place your order. You’ll know what you can and can’t have.

Language Classes
Placing your order, asking directions, giving directions, talking with friends, etc. all in the language of where you’re visiting is a sure-fire way to live like a local. You can make this happen through languages classes while you’re traveling! Language classes are a fantastic way to really learn a foreign language or freshen up your current skills. Plus, they offer a new way to experience a foreign city.

Teach English
You could take language classes AND teach English at the same time! Teaching positions are available in Asia, South America and Europe. You can live on your own or stay with a host family, which, again, will cook authentic meals for you and help you learn their language.

Either way, you’ll be able to set your own travel schedule. Stay in a city for a semester and earn money teaching, then head off to your next dream location and another teaching session. You’ll have an impressive passport (and resume) in no time!